best cold air intake for dodge cummins
Dodge

Best Cold Air Intake for Dodge Cummins Review

It’s no secret that Dodge is one of the biggest automobile manufacturers based in the USA. Founded back in 1900, it’s still a big player in the industry. As for the Cummins engines series, it was first introduced to the world in 1989. They were specifically designed to fit the big RAM pickup trucks. These engines are pretty strong and boast 400+ pound-feet of torque.

And you won’t ever have to worry about off-roading performance. However, the air filtration system leaves a lot to be desired. That’s why in this post, our focus will be on the best cold air intake for Dodge Cummins. After carefully testing dozens of market-leading offers from big brands, I selected six intake kits (three for the 6.7 engine, and three for the 5.9).

Best Cold Air Intake for Dodge RAM 6.7 Cummins (Updated April, 2024)

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Editor’s Choice

S&B Filters 75-5093 Cold Air Intake For 2007-2009 Dodge Ram Cummins 6.7L

1) S&B Filters Cold Air Intake for 6.7 Cummins

  • Best Features:
    • Introduces a great new character to the engine’s sounds
    • No cleaning or maintenance required up to 100K miles
    • Protected by a market-leading longevity guarantee (10-year/million miles)
  • Filter Type: Oiled / Dry
  • Power Increase: 37.06% More Airflow
  • Fits Models: Dodge RAM 2500, 3500 6.7L

2007-2009

2013-2014

2010-2012

aFe Power Magnum FORCE 51-11342-1 Dodge Diesel Trucks 03-09 L6-5.9/6.7L

2) aFe Power Magnum for 6.7 Cummins

  • Best Features:
    • Three-layer synthetic media for optimal off-the-road efficiency
    • One-piece design for an easy OE installation
    • Provides a decent boost in HP/torque
  • Filter Type: Oiled
  • Power Increase: 113% More Airflow
  • Fits Models: Dodge RAM 2500, 3500 6.7L

2007-2009

2010-2012

2013-2018

Banks 42175 Ram Air Intake System

3) Banks 42180 Cold Air Intake

  • Best Features:
    • Improves fuel efficiency both on rough terrain and on highways
    • Includes all the necessary hardware for a proper installation
    • Backed by a generous five-year warranty
  • Filter Type: Oiled
  • Power Increase: 50% More Airflow
  • Fits Models: 2010-2012 Dodge RAM 2500, 3500 6.7L

1994-2002

2003-2007

Best Cold Air Intake 6.7 Cummins Reviews

1. S&B Filters Cold Air Intake for 6.7 Cummins

S&B Filters 75-5093 Cold Air Intake For 2007-2009 Dodge Ram Cummins 6.7L

We all know how annoying the “Check Engine” light can be, and this cold air intake helps to get rid of it. Crafted from premium silicone, it will last longer than most rivaling products and provide stable airflow for the engine. Custom enclosure, in turn, keeps engine heat out of the filter. I also want to mention that S&B ships this air kit to all 50 US states, including California.

The company offers two different configurations: with cleanable cotton and with a dry expendable filter. No matter which one you choose, the cold air intake system will be a good investment. My only complaint has to do with the installation process. The filter “sits” tightly in the box and feels cramped; plus, the lid has issues with sealing on the box. But, these cons are nothing you can’t handle if you’ve got some experience with third-party gear.

Product Rating
Performance Increase
5
Mileage
5
Easy to Install
5
Value for Money
5
Result
5
Pros & Cons
Ships to all 50 American states
Manufactured from top-quality silicone
Helps the driver avoid the Check Engine lights
Installation might require some effort on your side

Verdict
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Street legal in every single US state, crafted from high-quality silicone, and all-around solid on off-road trails. That’s what this air intake system from S&B is all about. And while the installation won’t be a piece of cake, some bending and DIY-ing will fix whatever issues may come forth.

2. aFe cold air intake for 6.7 Cummins

aFe Power Magnum FORCE 51-11342-1 Dodge Diesel Trucks 03-09 L6-5.9/6.7L

This is one of those products that deliver instant results. Once you install aFe’s air intake, you’ll notice a good boost in horsepower and torque/towing capabilities. I also want to mention the three-layer (synthetic) media. It’s equally efficient on highways, city streets, and off-road trails. During my review, I was impressed by how smooth, noise-free, and performance-oriented it was. This can’t be said about most aftermarket intake kits.

Another standout feature is the state-of-the-art one-piece design. That means the assembly/mounting process will be like a walk in the park. This air intake system fits all OE requirements and can be installed on your own with a set of basic tools. There’s little room (clearance) between the tube and the filter, though, but that’s the only significant con.

Product Rating
Performance Increase
5
Mileage
4.9
Easy to Install
5
Value for Money
4.9
Result
5
Pros & Cons
Premium-quality, three-layer synthetic media
One-piece design – sturdy, reliable, and easy to install
Significantly increases the horsepower and torque
Very little clearance between the filter and the tube

Verdict
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aFe did an outstanding job with this air intake. For the 6.7 Cummins engine, it will be a good investment, especially if you want to get extra HP and torque. The solid one-piece design makes installation easy and straightforward. The three-layer media, in turn, is of the highest quality.

3. Banks Cold Air Intake 6.7 Cummins

Banks 42175 Ram Air Intake System

You might not know this, but Banks is one of the oldest manufacturers of aftermarket Dodge parts. With this air intake system, you can expect to get a decent boost in fuel efficiency. In the long run, it will be a good investment. Plus, the package includes all the necessary hardware for installation – everything you’ll need to replace the stock gear with this brand-new kit.

On top of that, Banks backs its product with a good five-year manufacturer’s warranty. However, you need to keep in mind that shipment might take a while. It vastly depends on your area, of course, but this was reported by more than a few Dodge drivers (the air intake is carb-compliant, by the way). On the bright side, you’ll get a boost in airflow, filtration, horsepower, and more.

Product Rating
Performance Increase
5
Mileage
4.9
Easy to Install
4.9
Value for Money
4.9
Result
4.9
Pros & Cons
Maximizes the MPG (miles per gallon) ratio
Features the necessary installation hardware
Five-year manufacturer’s warranty
Might take a while to arrive

Verdict
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The solid increase in powertrain, airflow efficiency, and MPG is this air intake’s biggest selling point. It also features a long list of installation hardware and comes packed with a five-year warranty. There may be some shipment issues depending on the state you live in, but nothing too major.

Best Cold Air Intake for 5.9 Cummins (Updated April, 2024)

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Editor’s Choice

K&N Cold Air Intake Kit: High Performance, Guaranteed to Increase Horsepower: 50-State Legal: 1994-2002 Dodge Ram (2500, 3500) 5.9L

1) K&N Cold Air Intake Kit

  • Best Features:
    • Introduces a great new character to the engine’s sounds
    • No cleaning or maintenance required up to 100K miles
    • Protected by a market-leading longevity guarantee (10-year/million miles)
  • Filter Type: Oiled / Dry
  • Power Increase: 10.96HP and 20.17 lb x ft Torque
  • Fits Models: 2003-2007 Dodge RAM 2500, 3500 5.9L

1994-2002

2003-2007

S&B Filters 75-5090 Cold Air Intake For 1994-2002 Dodge Ram Cummins 5.9L

2) S&B Filters 75-5094 Cold Air Intake

  • Best Features:
    • Withstands temperature extremes
    • Durable, long-lasting construction
    • Precisely-applied oil for ultimate efficiency
  • Filter Type:Text
  • Power Increase: Text
  • Fits Models: Text
  • Available Options: Text

1994-2002

2003-2007

aFe Power Magnum FORCE 51-80072 Dodge Diesel Trucks 94-02 L6-5.9L

3) aFe Power Magnum FORCE 51-80072

  • Best Features:
    • Heat-insulating tube – vastly superior to the stock intact tract
    • Roto-molded plastic housing + powder coating for the cover for durability
    • Designed, crafted, and tested in the US
  • Filter Type: Dry
  • Power Increase: 7 HP and 14 lb x ft Torque
  • Fits Models: Dodge RAM 2500, 3500 6.7L

1994-2002

2003-2007

Best 5.9 Cummins Cold Air Intake Reviews

1. K&N Cold Air Intake for 5.9 Cummins

K&N Cold Air Intake Kit: High Performance, Guaranteed to Increase Horsepower: 50-State Legal: 1994-2002 Dodge Ram (2500, 3500) 5.9L

If you’re looking for effortless maintenance, a generous warranty, and a strong new sound for your 5.9 engine, K&N might have just the right offer for you. With this cold air intake, you’ll get the company’s trademark ultimate longevity deal (it backs the product up with a ten-year/million-mile guarantee). Speaking of maintenance, you won’t have to do anything with the filter until you reach the 100K threshold.

As for the downsides, some drivers claim their packages miss installation hardware. We’re talking about brackets, clamps, and clips, among other things. Other than that, K&N has an excellent offer for the proud owners of the Dodge Cummins engines. This air kit will greatly improve airflow and maximize performance.

Product Rating
Performance Increase
5
Mileage
5
Easy to Install
5
Value for Money
5
Result
5
Pros & Cons
Adds a growling tone to the engine’s sounds
Easy maintenance (the filter lasts up to 100K miles with no cleaning)
Backed by an ultimate longevity guarantee
Minor quality control issues

Verdict
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K&N is a known leader when it comes to air intake systems, and you can rely on it to improve the airflow and keep the engine cool even in the most challenging situations. While there may be some issues with quality control, they are well-compensated by the great warranty, easy maintenance, and “roaring” sounds.

2. S&B Cold Air Intake for 5.9 Cummins

S&B Filters 75-5090 Cold Air Intake For 1994-2002 Dodge Ram Cummins 5.9L

To keep your 5.9 Cummins engine from overheating and gain some extra HP and torque, you might want to invest in this S&B aftermarket air kit. One of its biggest selling points is the temperature-resistant silicone parts. They can handle up to 400 degrees F. Plus, they are tear- and crack-resistant, which means enhanced durability, reliability, and safety for the engine.

For maximum efficiency, the S&B engineers implemented robotics to apply just the right amount of oil. That’s even more reason to consider this air intake over the competition. Sadly, there’s a big con, and it has to do with the installation. It won’t be a quick and easy process. First of all, to get the pipe into the air-box, you’ll need pro-grade sleight of hands. Next, the rubber fitting isn’t at all firm and tends to “wobble” around.

Product Rating
Performance Increase
5
Mileage
5
Easy to Install
4.7
Value for Money
4.9
Result
4.9
Pros & Cons
Handles up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
Superb tear strength and crack resistance
Precisely-applied oil (implementing robotics)
Hard to fit even for a pro mechanic

Verdict
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If not for the tedious installation process, this third-party air intake by S&B could be the best bang for the buck. Still, for drivers that have patience and some skills, the superb temperature resistance, tear strength, and overall build quality will make it all worth their while. The price-tag is reasonable, too.

3. aFe Power Magnum 5.9 Cummins Cold Air Intake

aFe Power Magnum FORCE 51-80072 Dodge Diesel Trucks 94-02 L6-5.9L

Here, we have a 100% US-made product. To make this air intake fit for the unforgiving American off-roading trails, it was designed, crafted, and tested in the states. As a result, we have a “battle-ready” product that will give you an instant performance boost. It features top-quality heat-insulating tubes that maximize airflow and add reliability. Next, the black powder coating protects the intake system from rust and corrosion.

And let’s not forget about roto-molded housing that safeguards the air filter from outside threats. Now, while the increase in HP and torque isn’t particularly impressive, the airflow is 88% stronger and more efficient compared to the factory setup. The installation process is easy and user-friendly. Strangely enough, the instructions aren’t at all helpful. They’re vague and can confuse you instead of guiding.

Product Rating
Performance Increase
5
Mileage
4.9
Easy to Install
4.7
Value for Money
5
Result
4.9
Pros & Cons
Heat-insulating tube ensures efficiency and reliability
Black powder coating + roto-molded housing
A US-made product
The installation instructions are a bit vague

aFe Power Magnum FORCE 51-80072

Verdict
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Heat-insulated, roto-molded, and protected by powder coating, the aFe air intake system will be a good match for the 5.9 Cummins engine. It was designed and manufactured in the USA and can handle the most challenging terrain. Just remember not to rely on the installation instructions too much, and you’ll be fine!

Conclusion

Most fans of off-roading tend to underestimate the importance of good airflow inside of the engine compartment. However, without proper filtration/flow, you’ll run the risk of ruining an otherwise perfect motor. The Cummins series by Dodge is known for its exceptional performance, and, as I mentioned in the beginning, it will greatly benefit from an aftermarket air intake system.

So, if you feel like your truck is about to overheat, don’t hesitate to get a brand-new air kit. Believe me: it will be money well spent, especially if you live in a hot and humid area. The cost of repairs will be much greater. Besides, it will take a lot of time to bring the engine back to shape. Pick one of the six products we discussed today, and breathe new life into your Dodge!

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